2015 BMW M135i - $0EGC

BMW's compact 1-Series hatch and 2-Series coupe/convertible are about to get a power boost.

The German brand has revealed the new M140i and M240i models, which will effectively replace the M135i and M235i models.

Benefiting from the same upgrades to the 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine already found in the 340i, these new models get more power and torque. In both models performance has increased to 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque, the same level as the 1 Series M Coupe.

2016 BMW M140i. Photo: Thomas von Salomon

That is a 15kW and 50Nm bump from the current M135i/M235i but it comes at the expense of fuel economy. Both use a claimed 7.8-litres per 100km, up from 7.5L/100km in the M135i and 7.6L/100km in the M235i.

On the plus side though acceleration times have been cut. The M140i does the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds (when fitted with the eight-speed automatic transmission), down from 4.9 seconds.

It is the same time in the M240i, which represents a 0.4 second improvement on the old model.

Both the M140i and M240i, in coupe and convertible form, are expected to arrive in Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Local pricing and specifications are not due to be revealed until closer to launch.